Whether you are an emerging company or a long-standing business, it is necessary to follow certain industrial standards and quality assurance methods, for your output to be approved and accepted by your customers. Indeed, the most robust supply chains will have the same set of process qualifications and working practices applied from start to finish. In the field of Electronics manufacturing this would be achieved by adopting and implementing the relevant industry-created and industry-standard IPC certification at all stages. This raises your credibility with prospective customers, as well as cutting reject rates due to avoidable defects.
IPC certification has three different levels. Here they are listed in order of required expertise.
Certified IPC Specialist (CIS):
CIS training and certification is beneficial for employers who want their employees to work to a consistent standard. This requires understanding of the criteria within IPC standards, and then executing them as common practice across the company. Most roles including line operators, electronic engineers, technicians and quality engineers can benefit from CIS training and certification by expanding their knowledge and skills. This ensures all employees are functioning to common specific standards across the company. CIS is generally suitable for individuals within junior level positions of an organisation.
Certified Standards Expert (CSE):
CSE is designed for professionals needing a higher level of knowledge and understanding of IPC standards. CSE certification focuses on detailed knowledge about specific IPC standards, and their effect and function upon the product quality across the entire design and manufacturing process. The job description of Certified Standard Expert (CSE) might differ according to the product requirements of individual companies. However, there are common denominators regardless of application which are applicable to this role:
- Interpreting standards applicable to your organisation and answering related questions arising.
- Being aware of and practising the latest and most suitable standards in your organisation.
- Acting as intermediary for questions arising within the company, regarding these pre-set standards.
- Co-operating with other employees such as designers and process engineers to establish assembly processes which give the optimum process window to repeatedly achieve the relevant IPC standards, as-listed on the customer purchase order.
- Resolving internal conflicts and contradictions if any, within the IPC standards across the whole production process.
Certified IPC Trainer (CIT):
CITs are qualified to conduct CIS training and certification within the company. CIT certification holders may train other employees but only within their own company. They can however be associated with technical schools or colleges that train their students to be future workers in roles requiring IPC certifications. To maintain adequate standards of training, CITs are often observed by IPC staff or an MIT (Master IPC Trainer) during training classes.
Note: The Master IPC trainer (MIT) is a next level designation that can be obtained by CITs. MIT is not an individual personal certification; it is only granted to CITs who are active employees within an IPC Licensed Training Center.
The difference between these three certifications is obvious; CIS and CSE courses are focussed upon knowledge related to specific standards, and they aim to develop your expertise in your chosen field. It is recommended for junior or intermediate level employees. CIT (and MIT) are necessary certifications in order to become a trainer of IPC standards and to teach CIS and CSE to achieve valid certification.
Contact Advanced Rework Technology Today
Advanced Rework Technology Ltd (ART) offers the total range of CIS, CSE and CIT training. We can teach all the skills required to perform to these levels. We also offer bespoke courses for specific challenges you face in your production (please enquire), and industry certified training for inspecting the acceptability of all PCBs produced.
Whether you come to ART’s own facilities in Witham or we bring the equipment to your
facility, we can teach you all you require. Please call us on 01245 237083 or submit an enquiry through our contact form.
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